Britain intimidated by success of European Union

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Oct 2007

Speaking today in a key European Parliament debate on the outcome of the Inter Governmental Conference (IGC) last week, Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew Duff, one of the three European Parliament's representatives at the Treaty negotiations, said:

"For 26 countries this Treaty is a great step forward together towards European unity ? equal in historical importance to Maastricht.

"The Treaty does not have the organic simplicity of its late lamented predecessor, but it preserves all the major reforms. Abroad and at home people will soon notice a more effective, efficient and democratic Union.

"In one country, this is not so. The British still seem intimidated by the success of the European Union, and have sought in the IGC to reduce the scope and force of common policies in the area of fundamental rights, freedom, security and justice and in common foreign, security and defence policies.

"Why this strategy of non-cooperation is thought to serve the interests of the British people is not entirely clear. Let it be as short-lived as possible."

ENDS